Department of Defence Ministers

Senator the Hon Marise Payne

Minister for Defence

Marise Payne is Australia’s 53rd Minister for Defence.She was sworn in on 21 September 2015 after previously serving as the Minister for Human Services for two years.She has more than two decades Parliamentary experience after filling a casual vacancy in 1997 to represent the people of New South...

Portfolio responsibilities

Strategic policy
ADF Operations
International Engagement
Budget
Defence White Paper implementation
Force Structure
Development of capability requirements
Capability/cost tradeoff during capability life cycle
Intelligence and Security
ICT
Science and Technology policy and support to operations

Biography | Media releases | Speeches | Statements | Transcripts

The Hon Christopher Pyne MP

Minister for Defence Industry

Christopher Pyne was elected to the House of Representatives for the seat of Sturt in 1993 at the age of 25.Christopher is the Minister for Defence Industry and Leader of the House of Representatives. As Minister for Defence Industry Christopher is responsible for delivering the $195 billion worth...

Portfolio responsibilities

Delivery of capability acquisition and sustainment projects
Development of Australian industry involvement during capability life cycle
Deliver Defence Industry agenda
Support and develop Australian Defence Industry
Encourage Australian Defence Industry involvement in global supply chains
Implementation of Naval Shipbuilding Plan
Centre for Defence Industry Capability
Defence Innovation Hub
Science and Technology engagement with Australian industry
Next Generation Technology Fund

Biography | Media releases | Speeches | Statements | Transcripts

The Hon Darren Chester MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs,
Minister for Defence Personnel,
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC

The Hon Darren Chester MP is the Member for Gippsland, in Victoria. Born and educated in Sale, Darren lives in Lakes Entrance with his wife Julie and their four children.He was sworn-in as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister Assisting the Prime...